Fats Domino Biography

Fast Facts

• In 1986, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Received a Grammy lifetime achievement award in 1987
• His brother-in-law Harrison Verret tutored him in music and introduced him to the New Orleans music scene
• Before his career as a musician took off, he worked odd jobs like hauling ice to pay the bills
• Trumpeter Dave Bartholomew discovered him while he was playing in New Orleans's honkytonks, and the two became collaborators
• His hits included his breakthrough "Ain't That a Shame" and "Blueberry Hill," "Walking to New Orleans" and "Blue Monday․"
• Known for his rolling, boogie-woogie piano style and amiable voice
• His 1949 R&B hit "The Fat Man" is often cited as one of the first true rock 'n' roll records
• He and his family had to be rescued when their home was severely damaged during Hurricane Katrina
• Sold more rock 'n' roll records than every other singer except Elvis Presley in the 1950s